However, even with an impressive 92% of its graduates in employment or professional training/postgraduate study within six months of graduating, the University is on a mission to raise that figure.

Cathy Hyde, Head of Careers & Employability Service at the University, urged students to take advantage of the service. “We have a great range of resources available to students while they’re studying and once they have graduated.

“Indeed we’re here to help our graduates for as long as they need us.”

The University’s careers & employability service is not just for graduates and final year students. With a recent survey predicting that graduate vacancies will rise by almost 12% in 2015, the University wants to ensure that all its students are well placed to take advantage of that good news.

“A range of experience is crucial for students who want to access graduate-level positions,” said the Head of Careers & Employability. “Employers want graduates who have the right mix of skills, and that’s where we can help.

“We’re aiming to work with students from the first year and pride ourselves on producing graduates who are work ready or ‘EmployAble’.”

The Service can help students with finding part-time paid work while they’re studying. It is also the first point of contact for students looking to source Placements or gain some work experience. It works hard to connect businesses with the University’s highly talented students.

Employers who have recently been on-campus presenting to students include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the StarBase IT Graduate programme, IBM , Hertfordshire Constabulary, and the UK International Soccer Programme.

To realise the importance of such events, just ask Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s Talent Acquisition Manager, Regina Van Burkleo:

“Enterprise Rent-A-Car counts the University of Bedfordshire as a true partner. Through the Careers & Employability Service, we have met some highly ambitious and driven students at presentations, workshops and interview days. We look forward to engaging with and hiring more students into our placements and graduate programmes.”

Recently the University’s students have found work experience, Placements and full time employment with employers as diverse as easyJet, TUI, the National Education Trust and Pictons Solicitors.

“Sound understanding of the needs of employers is key in preparing our students to be successful employees in the future job market,” said Cathy. “The fast-changing business environment requires proactive and practical ways of exchanging knowledge between us and our business partners.”

Students can also come along to the Careers & Employability Service for CV support, careers guidance, mock interviews and online assessment testing practice.

“Pop in and browse the vacancies on offer and see how we can help,” said Cathy. “Otherwise why not book an appointment with one of our qualified employability advisors.

“We offer a wide range of advice and information, workshops, employer events and employability fairs. All of which help our students get ready for work and help them fulfil their career ambitions.”